Automatic horse-rake.



No. 781,656. I PATENTED FEB. 7, 1905. E. A. JOHNSTON.

AUTOMATIC HORSE RAKE.

APPLIOATION FILED DEC. 21, 1903.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED FEB. v, 1905.

E. A. JOHNSTON.

AUTOMATIC HORSE RAKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 21, 1903.

6 SHEETS-SHBBT 2.

' wwlmzm No. 781,656. PATENTED FEB. '7, 1905. E. A. JOHNSTON.

AUTOMATIC HORSE RAKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 21, 1903.

e snnmssnm a.

No. 781,656. PATENTED FEB. '7, 1905. E. A. JOHNSTON.

AUTOMATIC HORSE RAKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEG. 21, 1903.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

No. 781,656. PATENTED FEB. 7, 1905. E. A. JOHNSTON.

AUTOMATIC HORSE RAKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 21, 1903.

No. 781,656 PATENTED FEB. 7, 1905. E. A. JOHNSTON.

AUTOMATIC HORSE RAKE.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 21, 1003.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

V MI I EHIlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll No. 781,656. Patented February 7, 1905.

UNITED STATES PATENT EETcE.

EDIVARI) A. JOHNSTON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR 'lO INTERNA- TIONAL HARVES'IER COb'IPANY. OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A UORlOItA- I 'IION OF NEIV JERSEY.

AUTOMATIC HORSE-RAKE.

sPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 781,656, dated February 7, 1905.

Application filed December 21, 1903. Serial No. 185,945-

1/71/01)" if Z/ tooth nearest said plancbeing removed. Fig.

Be it known thatl, EDWARD A. JoHNs'roN, 3 is a sectional side elevation taken on a 5 a citizen of the United States, and a resident plane indicated by line 3 3 of Fig. I, showof Chicago, in the county of Cook and State ing the parts in a position corresponding to of Illinois, have invented certain new and usethat shown in Fig. I. Fig. is a sectional ful Improvements in Automatic Horse-Rakes, side elevation corresponding to Fig. 3, showof which the following is a specification sufing the parts in the position theyassumewhen ficiently clear and exact to enable those skilled the teeth are in their elevated or dumped poin the art to which it appertains to make and sition. Fig. 5 is a sectional side elevation to use the same. of the tripping mechanism, taken on a plane The invention relates to horse-rakes, and indicated byline 2 2 of Fig. 1, showing its more especially to that class known as draftdetails of construction and the position it asdumpers," and has for its object to provide sumes when the teeth are in their normal or means whereby the initial movement of the working position. Fig. 6 is a sectional side i5 rake-teeth in the dumping operation, which ele 'ation corresponding to Fig. 5, showing movement is due to the resistance of the load, the tripping mechanism in the position it asonce permitted to act is instrumental in efsumes when the teeth are in their elevated or fecting a connection between the tooth-supdumped position. Fig. 7 is a plan view, porting frameand oneormoretraction-wheels partly in section, of a portion of the parts 20 to dump the load, to provide manual means shown in Fig. 6. Fig. b is a perspective view for making said connection which shall operof a portion of the parts shown in Fig. 5, ate independentlyofsaid initial movement, to showing them in a corresponding position. provide manual means for giving the teeth Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of the toothsaid initial movement for the pur 'iose above supporting frame, showing a plurality of 25 stated, to provide means for positively maintooth holders or sockets and their relative potaining said connection until the dumpingopsition when the teeth are to be closest toeration is completed, to provide means wheregether. Fig. 10 is a plan view corresponding by the advance of the rake is effective in disto a portion of Fig. 9, showing a plurality of connecting the tooth-supporting frame from tooth holders or sockets and their relative po- 30 the wheel or wheels, and to provide a toothsition when the teeth are to be farthest apart. supporting frame and means carried thereby Fig. 11 is a sectional side elevation taken on for securingthe teeth in position whereby the a plane indicated by line 11 II of Fig. 9, space between them may be adjusted. showing the relation between the tooth, the

Other improvements in the details of contooth holder or socket, and the tooth-sup- 35 struction will be pointed out as the descripporting frame and the means for securing the tion proceeds. teeth in position. Fig. I2 is a side elevation An embodiment of the invention is shown of a tooth holder or socket.

in the accompanyingdrawings, forming a part Referring more especially to Fig. 1, it will of this specification, in which like characters be seen that the rake is provided with a tooth- 40 of reference designate like parts. supporting frame (designated by A) which eferring to the drawings, Figure I is a has two transverse members one the rod a, fragmentary plan view of the machine, showwhich carries the tooth holders or sockets B, ing the parts in the position they assume into which the bent ends of the teeth B are when the teeth are in their normal or worksecured, as will be described later, and the 45 ing position. Fig. 2 is a sectional side eleother the shaft 1/, which in this instance is a vation taken on a plane indicated by the line pipe upon which' the teeth are supported. 2 2 of Fig. 1, showing the parts in a position This shaft, having extensions e, provides a corresponding to that shown in Fig. I, the convenient axle for the supporting and traction wheelsC, which are held in position thereon by any suitable means. The rod a and the shaft (0 are connected by means of brackets (0 one at each end,the bracket (6 at the center, and the brackets a, one between each of the firstnamed brackets. Any desired number of brakets corresponding to (0* may be provided which will be determined by the length of the rake. Pivotally connected to this frame is the draft-frame D, which consists of a medial longitudinal member (Z and the side members d, located equidistant on each side thereof, and a transverse member (Z all of which are united by suitable securing means. The member (Z is provided with the bearing (Z and the members d with the bearings 6V, within which the shaft (0 of the tooth-supporting frame turns when the teeth are raised to their elevated or dumped position or lowered to their normal or working position. as will soon be described. \Vhen the rake is intended to be drawn by one horse, as herein shown, the side members d are preferably extended beyond the transverse member 6Z2 and made to converge, thereby providing convenient means for securing the thills (Z The K-brace 6Z6 provides the necessary rigidity to the thills and the frame as a whole. The whiffletree (Z is connected to the medial member in the usual manner. Upon this member also is mounted, by means of a suitable bracket, the seat-spring D, which carries the usual seat (not shown) for the driver. I

By turning the tooth-supporting frame A in the bearings (Z and (Z of the draft-frame it will be seen that the teeth B maybe raised from their working position to their dumped position, or vice versa, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In order to maintain them positively in either position or in any intermediate one, it is necessary to provide holding means connected to the tooth-supporting frame and to some relatively stationary part. The holding means herein shown consist of the post E, secured to the shaft (4, the bell-crank foot-lever E, pivotally connected to the draft-frame within easy reach of the foot of the driver,

and the link a, connected to each, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4:. These parts are so proportioned that their pivotal points are almost in line when the teeth are in their working position, whereby the driver is enabled easily to hold the latter down to their work. .A'stop is provided to prevent the pivotal points of the hold: ing means from coming into line, which would form a dead-center and prevent the proper operation of the machine, as will be pointed out later. This stop consists of the block 6,

secured to the extension 8 of the link a, which is adapted to engage the holding foot-lever E. By referring to Fig. 4. it will be seen dumped position, whereby they may be held in that position by a slight pressure in a reverse direction on the foot-lever. Secured to the post E is the hand-lever E which is also within easy reach of the driver, whereby the teeth may be raised to the dumped position at will. The counterbalan'cingspring a which reacts between the foot-lever E and the post E, is provided to facilitate the raising of the teeth to the dumped position. Secured to the link 9 at some convenient point is the hook 6 which is adapted to engage the footlever E to hold the teeth in their dumped position to facilitate transportation over roads or elsewhere. Sincesome drivers prefer to walk behind the rake instead of riding on it, the hand-lever E is provided to meet this requirement. It is preferably integral with one member of the link a. By this means the teeth may as readily be held in their working position as by the foot-lever just described and the operation of the rake controlled, as Will be explained later.

Even though the weight of the teeth is counterbalanced, as above described, the labor of continually raising them to dump the load becomes arduous. Hence it is'desirable to take this work off of the driver and place it upon the draft-animal. This is readily accomplished by providing means for throwing the tooth-supporting frame into connection with the. supporting-wheels, whereby it and the teeth carried thereby are given a partial revolution until it is disconnected. The means herein shown consist of the usual pawl-shaft F, journaled in the tooth-supporting frame A, which shaft is provided at the outer ends with pawls f. These pawls are adapted to engage ratchets 0, formed integral with the hubs of the traction-wheels (J, thereby forming a clutch for each wheel. The bearings for the outer ends of the pawl-shaft and the housings for the pawls and the ratchets are made integral with the brackets (f, as shown in Fig. 1. For convenience in manufacture this pawl-shaft is preferably made in two parts and connected together at the center by suitable means. As herein shown this means consists of the clamp f, which is integral with the trip-operating arm The link f connects this arm with the trip foot-lever F, which is suitably mounted in the seat-supporting bracket above described and is in conven ient reach of the drivers foot. By this means the pawl-shaft may be rocked and the pawls at the-ends thereof be thrown into engagement with the ratchets of the traction-wheels, respectively, and the teeth raised to the dumped position as the rake is advanced by the draft-animal. The pivotal connection between the tooth-supporting frame and the draft-frame being just short of a dead-center permits the operation since the driver at this time releases his foot from the holding-lever. 1 It is a known fact that the resistance which IOC IIC

the hay or other crop offers in being dragged over the ground when asufficient quantity has been collected to form a wind row produces a movementabout theaxis upon which the teeth revolve, which, if permitted to act, would revolve the teeth a partial revolution, but not a sufficient amount to clear the windrow. To make the rake automatic in its operation, means is herein provided whereby this initial movement of the rake-teeth in the dumping operation is utilized to throw the pawls into engagementwith the ratchets of the tractionwheels to dump the load. This means consists of the trip-arm G, secured to the pawlshaft F and preferably integral with the tripoperating armf above mentioned. The arm (Jr is provided with a projection, herein shown in the form of the antifriction-roller 1, which is adapted to engage the inclined surface g of a relatively stationary cam G. This cam is preferably formed integral with the bracket (1 of the draft-frame. \Vhen the teeth are in their working position, the antifriction-roller g lies immediately behind the earn (3/, as shown in Fig. On the opposite side of the triparm (.l and preferably integral with the bracket 1/ is the post a, which has an archshaped top adapted to carry the trunnions of the collar In this collar is slidably mounted the eyebolt which is provided with the spring g, adapted to react between the collar and suitable retaining means secured to the end of the bolt. The eye of this bolt is pivotally connected with the trip-arm in such a manner that the tendency of the spring is to hold the arm always in its normal position regardless of the direction of deflection of the arm--[. a, its tendency is to hold the center of the eye of the bolt in line with the centers of the trunnion and the pawl-shaft. The cam G is also provided with the delaysurface 5 against which the antifrictionroller bears during the dumping operation,

as will soon be pointed out.

During the initial movement of the raketeeth the antifriction-roller 7 moves down the inclined surface g against the action of the spring and along the delay-surface thereby throwing the pawls into engagement with the ratchets of the wheels and holding them positively against premature disengagement. thus insuring the completion of the dumping operation. \Vhen the teeth have been raised to their dumped position, the antifriction-roller engages the rib y, whereby the pawls are disengaged from the ratchets of the wheels and the trip-arm G is returned to its normal position relative to the toothsupporting frame by the spring g, as shown in Fig. (5. The teeth then gravitate to their working position, and the antifriction-roller of the trip-arm moves over the top of the cam (lr, is raised thereby against the action of the spring 4, and is dropped into its normal position behind the inclined surface 9'.

soon be made evident.

The above operation may be effected at any other time than when a sullicient amount of hay has been collected to produce the initial movement above referred to by operating the trip foot-lever F, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 5, or the requisite amountof initial movement may be given by means of either the hand-lever E or the hand-lever E. \Vhen it is desired to dump the rake while it is standing still, it may be done by means of a hand-lever E", as above suggested. The antifriction-roller of course would pass under the cam in the usual manner and throw the pawls into engagement with the ratchets of the wheels, which would click harmlessly over the ratchets as the tooth-supporting frame which carries them is turned, the shaft having suflicicnt resilience to permit it. Many means have heretofore been devised for effecting a connection between the tooth-supporting frame and the traction-wheels; but the means herein shown is automatic in its action and much simpler and more effective than any prior ones.

Rigidly secured to the draft-frame I) is the cleaner-frame H, which consists of a plurality of bars reaching rearward of the axle between the teeth for the purpose of stripping or cleaning the hay therefrom when the rake is dumped. The outer bars 11. are preferably integral with a transverse bar 7:, to which the remaining bars are secured. Three of these bars are preferably formed by prolonging the bars (1 and (Z'. The outer bars /1. are provided with bearings /1, similar to bearings and (1, within which the axle turns. As many additional cleaner-bars, as /1 may be provided as the length of the rake requires. These bars are bent up at their rear ends in the form of a loop A", and the bars (I, (l, and it are provided with looped members 1 the object of which is to prevent the teeth from being deflected and caught over the bars, which would prevent their return to working position. To prevent the teeth from being raised too high, which would carry their center of gravity beyond their support and prevent their return to working position, the bearings (1, (Z and are provided with stops with which certain teeth contact.

It is often desirable to vary the spacing of the teeth to suit the varying conditions and kinds of crops raised. A very eflicient means of accomplishing this end is shown in Figs. 9, 10, and 11. The tooth holders or sockets B are provided with bosses on each side, through holes in which the supporting-rod 1/ passes. On each side of the sockets at the side of the bosses are the projections l), which extend a predetermined distance beyond the end of the bosses, the object of which will \Vhen the sockets are arranged so that the projections Z) of the adjacent sockets come on opposite sides of the rod (1, the bosses will abut and the teeth be arranged in their closest position. hen it is desired to arrange the teeth farther apart, it is only necessary to turn each alternate socket around so that the projections b abut instead of the bosses, as shown in Fig. 10. It will be seen that these sockets might readily be designed so that each alternate one could be turned about its longitudinal axis in order to make either the bosses or the projections abut at will for the above purpose instead of turning them laterally. Either or both of the bosses of each socket might be made adjustable relative to the socket and be provided with a plurality of projections adapted to abut with the adjacent socket or corresponding projections thereon for the above purpose,

Hence I do not wish to be limited to the exact construction herein shown. Between the supporting-rod and the end of the socket the bent end Z2 of the tooth B is inserted and held in place by a cotter b, which passes through the socket above the tooth. A corresponding space is provided between the rod and the opposite end of the socket for the purpose of receiving the tooth when the socket is turned around.

It is thought that the operation of the rake will be understood from the above description of its construction and the function of its several parts; but, briefly reviewed, it is substantially as follows: As the rake is drawn through the field the teeth are held in their working position by the driver by means of the foot-lever E or, in case he is walking behind the rake, by means of the hand-lever E When sufficient hay or other crop has been collected to form a windrow, the driver releases the foot-lever or the hand-lever just referred to, as the case may be, and the initial movement in the dumping operation imparted to the tooth-supporting frame by the resistance offered by the accumulated hay is effective in automatically throwing the pawls into engagement with the ratchets of the wheels. WVhen once the pawls are thrown into engagement with the ratchets, they are held positively there until the dumping operation is completed. As soon as the load has been dumped the pawls are automatically disengaged from the ratchets and the teeth permitted to gravitate to their working position, when the operation is repeated. When it is desired to dump the rake at any other time than when a sufiicient load has been collected to produce the necessary initial movement of the tooth-supporting frame, this movement may be imparted manually by means of either hand-lever, or the pawl-shaft may be operated by means of the trip foot-lever. As above described, the rake may be' dumped while standing still by means of the hand-lever E when so desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1; In a wheeled rake, the combination of supporting wheels, tooth carrying means, clutching means between said means and one or more of said wheels, a relatively stationary member, and means which traverses said member and is positively operated thereby to throw said clutching means into engagement.

2. In a wheeled rake, the combination of supporting-wheels, a tooth-carrying frame, and means whereby the resistance of the load is instrumental in effecting a connection between said frame and one or more of'said wheels, said means comprising a relatively stationary member and a movable member which traverses said member and is positively operated thereby.

3. In a wheeled rake, the combination of supporting wheels, tooth carrying means, clutching means between said means and one or more of said wheels, relatively stationary members, and means which traverses said members and is positively operated thereby to throw said clutching means into and out of engagement, respectively.

4:. In a wheeled rake, the combination of supporting-wheels, a tooth-carrying frame, means whereby the resistance of the load is instrumental in effecting a connection between said frame and one or more of said wheels, said means comprising a relatively stationary member and a movable member which traverses said member andis positively operated thereby, and means also for operating said movable member to disconnect said frame.

5. In a wheeled rake, the combination of supporting wheels, tooth carrying means, clutching means between said means and one or more of said wheels, a relatively stationary member, and means which traverses said member and is positively operated thereby to throw said clutching means into and to hold the same in engagement.-

6. In a wheeled rake, the combination of supporting-wheels, a tooth-carrying frame,

and means whereby the resistance of the load is instrumental in effecting a connection between said frame and one or more of said wheels and whereby said connection is positively maintained during the dumping operation, said means comprising a relatively stationary member and a movable member which contacts therewith.

7. In a wheeled rake, the combination with the traction wheels, of a tooth supporting frame, holding means therefor, and tripping means whereby, when said holding means is released, the resistance of the load is instrumental in effecting a connection between said frame and traction-wheels,said tripping means comprising a relatively stationary member and a movable member which traverses said stationary member and is positively operated thereby.

8. Ina wheeled rake, the combination with the tractionwheels, of a tooth supporting f rame,holding means therefor, tripping means whereby, when said holdingmeans isreleased, the resistance of the load is instrumental in effecting a connection between said frame and traction-wheels, said tripping means comprising a relatively stationary member and a movable member which traverses said stationary member and is positively operated thereby, and means also for operating said movable member to disconnect said frame from said traction-wheels.

9. In a wheeled rake, the combination of a traction-wheel, a tooth-supporting frame, a clutch, a clutch-operatingshaft, a trip-arm secured thereto,and a relatively stationary member which said trip-arm traverses.

10. In a wheeled rake, the combination of a traction-wheel, a tooth-supporting frame, a pawl carried by said frame, and means whereby the resistance of the load is instrumental in operating said pawl to effect a connection between said frame and traction-wheel, said means comprising a shaft for operating said pawl, a trip-arm secured to said shaft, and a relatively stationary cam with which said triparm contacts.

1 1. In a wheeled rake, the combination with the traction-wheels having ratchets secured thereto, of a tooth-supporting frame, a'holdinglever therefor, pawls carried by said frame, and means whereby, when said holding-lever is released, the resistance of the load is instrumental in operating said pawls to throw them into engagement with the ratchets of said traction-wheels, said means comprising a shaft for operating said pawls, a trip-arm secured to said shaft, and a relatively stationary cam with which said trip-arm contacts.

12. In a wheeled rake, the combination with a traction-wheel, of a tooth-supporting frame, a holding-lever therefor, a pawl-shaft. and means whereby, when said holding-lever is released, the resistance of the load is instrumental in operating said pawl-shaft to effect a connection between said frame and tractionwheel and whereby said connection is positively maintained during the dumping operation. said means comprising a trip-arm secured to said pawl-shaft and relatively stationary cam and delay surfaces with which said triparm contacts.

13. In a wheeled rake, the combination with the traction-wheels, of a tooth-supporting frame. a holding-lever therefor, a pawl-shaft, means whereby, when said holding-lever is released, the resistance of the load is instrumental in operating said pawl-shaft to effect a connection between said frame and tractionwheels, said means comprising a trip-arm secured to said pawl-shaft and a relatively stationary cam-surface with which said trip-arm contacts, a corresponding delay-surface for positively maintaining said connection during the d nmping operation, and a second cam-surface with which said trip-arm contacts, whereby the advance of the rake is effective in operating said pawl-shaft in a reverse direction to disconnect said frame from said tractionwheels.

li. In a wheeled rake, the combination with the traction-wheels, of a tooth-supporting frame, a holding-lever therefor, a pawl-shaft, and means whereby, when said holding-lever is released, the resistance of the load is instrumental in operating said pawl-shaft to effect a connection between said frame and tractionwheels and whereby said connection is positively maintained during the dumping operation and whereby the advance of the rake is effective in operating said pawl-shaft in a reverse direction to disconnect said frame from said traction-wheels, said means comprising a trip-arm secured to said pawl-shaft and a relatively stationary member having suitable cam and delay surfaces.

15. In a wheeled rake, the combination of a fraction -wheel, a tooth supporting frame, means whereby the resistance of the load is instrumentz'd ineffectinga connection between said frame and wheel, said means comprising a relatively stationary member and a movable member which contacts therewith, and manual means also for operating said movable member to effect said connection.

16. Ina wheeled rake, the combination with the traction-wheels, of a tooth-supporting frame, holding means there for, tripping means whereby, when said holding means is released, the resistance of the load is instrumental in effecting a connection between said frame and traction-wheels, said means comprising a relatively stationary member and a movable member which contacts therewith, and manual means also for operating said movable member to effect said connection.

17. In a wheeled rake, the combination with the traction-wheels, of a tooth-supporting frame, a holding-lever there for, a pawl-shaft, means whereby, when said holding-lever is released, the resistance of the load is instrumental in operatingsaid pawl-shaft to effect a connection between said frame and tractionwheels, said means comprising a trip-arm secured to said pawl-shaft and a relatively stationary can1-surface with which said trip-arn'i contacts, a correspomling delay snrface for positively maintaining said connection during the dumping operation, and a foot-lever connected with said trip-arm for effecting said connection.

18. In a wheeled rake, the combination with the tractionwheels, of a tooth-supporting frame, a relatively stationary draft-frame pivotally connected therewith. a link pivotally connected With said tooth-supporting frame at a point outside its axis of revolution, a holding foot-lever pivotally connected with said link and also with said d raft-frame, astop for preventing a dead-centerbetween said link and holding foot-lever, a dumping hand-lever secured to said frame, a supplemental combined dumping and holding hand-lever integral with said link, and a counterbalancingspring which reacts between said foot-lever and said tooth-supporting frame.

19. In a wheeled rake, a tooth-supporting frame having tooth holders or sockets provided with abutting means for varying the space between adjacent teeth when the abutting means of each alternate socket is moved.

20. In a wheeled rake, a tooth-supporting frame having tooth holders or sockets provided with projections which abut for the purpose of adjusting the space between the teeth when the adjacent sockets are turned relatively, and means for holding the sockets in operative position.

21. In a wheeled rake, the combination with the teeth, of a tooth-supporting frame, and tooth holders or sockets carried thereby provided with abutting means for adjusting the space between the teeth when the abutting means of the adjacent socket is moved.

22. In a wheeled rake, in combination with the teeth and the tooth supporting frame, tooth holders or sockets provided with a plurality of projections at the sides thereof which projections abut with the adjacent socket when in position for the purpose of varying the space between the teeth when the adjacent sockets are turned relatively, and means for detachably securing the teeth thereto.

23. In a wheeled rake, in combination with the teeth and the tooth-supporting frame, tooth holders or sockets each having a plurality of projections of different lengths on each side, said projections abutting with corresponding projections on the adjacent holders or sockets when in position, whereby, when the adjacent sockets are turned relatively, the space be-. tween the teeth is adjusted, and means for holding the sockets in operative position.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EDWARD A. JOHNSTON.

Witnesses:

A. E. GHADWIOK, VVM. WEBBER. 

